Modelling the effects of genetic line and feeding system on methane emissions from dairy systems

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Abstract

Dairy cattle make a significant contribution to global methane emissions. Milking cows
in the UK make up about a fifth of the total cattle population, with Holstein-Friesian
cows being the most common breed. Investigating ways to minimise methane, a potent
greenhouse gas (GHG) produced by dairy cows from enteric fermentation and manure,
has gained importance in recent years due its role in climate change. Currently, GHG
emissions from UK dairy farming are predicted using the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Tier II methodology. The IPCC Tier II methodology and
statistical prediction equations from the literature were evaluated for their ability to
reliably model methane output using data from the Langhill Holstein-Friesian
experimental herd. The Langhill dairy herd is on a long-term breeding and feeding
systems experiment, and cows are on average 88% North American Holstein genes. The
production systems within the herd represent a range of dairy systems that may be found
commercially. Therefore, production values were assumed to be representative of those
that could be found in the commercial Holstein-Friesian population, so factors affecting
system methane emissions and appropriate mitigation options could be investigated.
Prediction equations using dry matter (DM) intake and gross energy intake as input
values were the most appropriate equations for reliably estimating daily enteric methane
output. However, if DM intake values are not available, the IPCC Tier II method was
found to provide a suitable prediction of methane emissions over a cow‘s lactation and
lifetime. This study found that GHG emissions from enteric fermentation and manure,
expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq.), account for about 66% of dairy
system CO2-eq. emissions, with enteric methane output being the main contributor (34%
of system CO2-eq. emissions). Breeding for increased kilograms of milk fat plus protein
production was shown to help reduce dairy system methane emissions. Cows of
predominantly North American Holstein genes in this study produced more milk when
fed a diet with a low proportion of forage and had lower GHG emissions and land
requirement per kilogram energy corrected milk than similar cows fed a diet with a
higher proportion of forage. Strategies to mitigate GHG emissions (including methane) and the environmental impact of dairy systems should seek to select animals that better
utilise their feed intake to meet their genetic potential for milk production.